How do I complete the "The Serpent's Jaws" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "The Serpent's Jaws" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more intriguing shrine quests, as it involves solving a riddle and interacting with the environment in a specific way to reveal the hidden shrine. This quest is located in the Faron region, near the Lakeside Stable. To begin the quest, you need to speak to Kass, the Rito bard, who is standing near the stable. He will sing a song that provides a cryptic clue about the shrine's location and how to reveal it.

The riddle Kass sings goes like this: "When a single arrow threads the stone pillars' eyes, the shrine will rise like the sun on the horizon." This means you need to shoot an arrow through the eye-shaped holes in the stone pillars located nearby. The stone pillars are found to the east of the Lakeside Stable, near the edge of the Floria River. There are three stone pillars arranged in a line, each with an eye-shaped hole. The key is to align yourself so that when you shoot an arrow, it passes through all three holes in a straight line.

To complete this quest, you will need a bow and at least one arrow. It is recommended to use a bow with good accuracy, such as the Phrenic Bow or the Golden Bow, as they have a zoom feature that makes it easier to aim. You should also ensure you have enough arrows, as missing the shot will require you to try again. If you are low on arrows, you can purchase them from Beedle at the Lakeside Stable or find them in chests and enemy drops.

Once you have your bow and arrows ready, head to the stone pillars. Stand at a distance where you can see all three pillars clearly. The best position is to the west of the pillars, near the edge of the river. From this vantage point, you can line up your shot. Use the zoom feature on your bow to carefully aim through the first eye-shaped hole. Adjust your position until the second and third holes are also aligned in your line of sight. When you are confident in your aim, release the arrow.

If done correctly, the arrow will pass through all three eye-shaped holes, and the shrine, called the Shai Utoh Shrine, will rise from the ground nearby. The shrine is located just to the east of the stone pillars, near the riverbank. Enter the shrine to complete the quest and receive your Spirit Orb.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while attempting this quest. First, make sure you have a clear line of sight to all three pillars. If the arrow hits the edge of a hole or misses entirely, the shrine will not appear. Second, take your time to aim carefully. Rushing the shot can lead to mistakes, and you may waste arrows. Third, if you are having trouble aligning the shot, try moving closer or further away from the pillars to find the optimal distance.

Common mistakes to avoid include not aligning the shot properly, using a bow with poor accuracy, and not having enough arrows. If you run out of arrows, you will need to find more before you can attempt the quest again. Additionally, some players may mistakenly think they need to shoot multiple arrows or hit the pillars in a specific order, but only one arrow passing through all three holes is required.

Advanced techniques or optimizations include using the Stasis rune to freeze the arrow mid-flight, allowing you to adjust your aim if necessary. However, this is not required and can be more complicated than simply taking your time to aim. Another optimization is to use the environment to your advantage. For example, standing on a higher vantage point can make it easier to see the alignment of the holes.

In terms of preparation, ensure you have a good supply of arrows and a reliable bow. If you are low on resources, consider visiting nearby areas to gather materials or purchase what you need. The Lakeside Stable is a good place to restock, as it has a shop and a cooking pot for preparing meals that can boost your stamina or health.

Alternative approaches to this quest are limited, as the riddle specifically requires shooting an arrow through the stone pillars. However, some players may choose to use different types of bows or arrows, such as bomb arrows, to add an extra challenge. This is not necessary and can make the quest more difficult, but it can be a fun way to experiment with different weapons.

In conclusion, "The Serpent's Jaws" shrine quest is a straightforward but satisfying challenge that tests your aiming skills and ability to interpret environmental clues. By carefully aligning your shot and taking your time, you can successfully reveal the hidden shrine and continue your journey through Hyrule. Remember to prepare adequately, avoid common mistakes, and use the environment to your advantage for the best chance of success.